Demonic Fire - Pictures of Ghostly Images in a Campfire

Click the picture for larger view!!

A couple weeks ago, we went to explore some reports of paranormal experiences out at Little Crater Lake. The experience was extraordinary, and we caught some spectacular sound recordings, as well as a very unusual photo.

This picture was taken around 5 a.m. on July 19, 2008. The area was quiet, and we had a small campfire in a fire-pit at the campground. I decided to take a few pictures within the fire before heading out to the Pacific Crest Trail for a short hike. In a series of about 15 pictures taken of the fire, we caught what we are referring to as, "The Fire Demons". Just take a look at this picture, we're able to find several very clear "beings" in this picture - tell us, what do you think? We'd love to read your comments on this really ghostly picture!

If you have real ghost pictures of your own, feel free to share them with us!

Ghost Hunters and COPS

On July 3rd, we went on a volunteer investigation to the Old Pioneer Cemetery in Damascus, Oregon. We have been to the same site on three previous outings with some personal experiences, but no conclusive evidence. We did get stopped by the police all 3 times but with our ID’s at hand and the permission letter in my other hand we were not just cleared for our investigation but all three officers stayed for a while and told us about there experiences while patrolling this area, figures have been seen and strange noises heard.

But on this particular night, we were being taped for some upcoming video productions. We started our investigation without a hitch. About three hours into the investigation, we were involved in a group EVP session when we all heard a strange sound coming from the area where we parked our cars. The team, except for Dane - one of our investigators, started heading toward the noise, and when we reached the sounds we noticed that Dane was pulling a body out from underneath his car! I asked Dane what was going on and he proceeded to tell me that he caught the guy under his truck, cutting off the catalytic converter. The kid, who had to have been under 19, had a cell phone that continued to ring, and Dane took the cell phone and used it to call 9-1-1 with it. (He also answered it when it rang - it was hilarious!)

When the police arrived the kid was handcuffed and placed into the back of the police car. After about 10 minutes of talk and shock amongst ourselves, the officer came back to talk with Dane and take his statement, while I went under the car to apply a temporary fix to the catalytic converter for Dane. With the camera still rolling, our night was turning out much more like an episode of COPS, and nearly an hour later the officer left and we packed up, cutting our investigation short, and then hung out, laughing and talking for awhile about what had just happened. We left the cemetery at about 3:30 a.m. We all had a good laugh when we remember the events, and the fact that Mark had been filming this whole thing from beginning to end. Perhaps you'll see bits of our film here on our site, and maybe a few teasers of our future productions on You-Tube!

Funniest Cemetery Moment

One our funniest moments in a cemetery was also one of our strangest nights yet - but not the paranormal kind of strange, just plain strange!

On our way out, we were pulled over by the police. Just a routine stop, so after showing a license and registration - and a brief explanation of where we were headed (that was an interesting conversation) - and we were on our way.

Upon arriving at the cemetery, we split into two teams of two, Dan and Colleen on one team, and C.J. and Tammy on the other. The cemetery is long and narrow, with an entrance in the center. From there, we split into two different directions.

About a half-hour into the investigation, I heard footsteps behind a row of thick trees, but it was too dark and thick to see in. I knew it was Dan when he asked "Is there anyone there who would like to make themselves known?" At that point, I realized he and Colleen must have been doing EVP work. Hmmm, should I say something? "What's your name?" Dan asked, pausing to allow for an answer. C.J., I thought, but didn't dare say anything. I wasn't sure if everyone else was in the joking mood that I was in. After a few more tempting questions, we popped out of the trees and let them know that there was in fact someone there!

A few more hours into the investigation, there was another "tempting" opportunity - but this time, the whole team wanted in on the fun. We were again on two separate ends of the cemetery, and a group of young people pull up in two cars and immediately head into the entrance of the cemetery - right between our two teams. We decided to move around to the outside of the property, along the fence and out the far end of the cemetery. But each time we moved, they shined flashlights our way, daring each other to walk into the cemetery.

At that point, we realized that any visible move we made would perhaps be interpreted as a "ghost in the cemetery" - which would be hilarious - but not nice, considering they were not part of our team. Instead, we would wait for periods of no light, and continue to round the perimeter until we were nearly out. But just as we were about to round the last set of trees, we see a police car pull up. Considering we had already explained to one officer that we were headed out to spend the night in a haunted cemetery, we decided to stay within the trees. Dan and Colleen had different plans, but while discussing their escape (and laughing about how funny it would be if we had a hat and long coat for Dan to "appear" in) the group ran to their cars and sped away.

The police officer headed out after them, and we used the radios to let each other know to meet back at the car. But on our way back to the car, the police car pulled up to our car, and began writing down our license plate number! He obviously thought we were part of the brave group of youngsters playing dare. We all arrived around the same time, and Tammy immediately said to the officer, "Did you see all of those ghosts that ran out of the cemetery a few minutes ago?" The officer laughed, and then asked what we were doing out so late.

After explaining why we were there, and that we had permission to be there, we all laughed about the situation. The officer then went on to tell us a few of his own late night paranormal experiences, not only from his time with the police department, but from his days one of the colleges in the Portland area. By the way, there are several Portland area colleges that are rumored to be haunted, so we plan a few trips once we have permission, so stay tuned for those in the future!

Do You Believe that Paranormal Activity or Ghosts Really Exist?

While cultural differences and religious beliefs often influence whether a person believes or disbelieves in the presence of ghosts or some other entities (either organic or inorganic entities) , it is fair to say that personal experiences with the unexplained can - and often do - change everything about a person's life. These personal experiences can be so intense, that many people are unable to shake the feeling that we are not alone. For some, the answer as to whether or not they believe that something beyond our perceptive capabilities exists is not summed up in a simple answer, but is easier explained with their descriptive tale of a ghostly encounter.

We've all heard the campground ghost story that sounds so unbelievably spectacular - yet we wonder if there was an element of truth in its past. Other stories sound so flimsy and leave so much open to debate that they are often dismissed as a figment of the imagination. However, in recent years, it seems that there is much more talk about paranormal activity than in previous generations. Are there more people having these paranormal experiences - or are we just more accepting of the possibilities of what could be? Some have said that the psychoactive drugs that were so popular in the 60's, 70's, and 90's have shaped the minds of those who now claim to see ghosts. They suggest that those who claim to have had paranormal experiences should "see someone" for help - or worse, medication! Some communities even negatively judge those who have had such an experience, and believe they should be religiously shunned or ridiculed. But perhaps there is both a deeper explanation of our increasing interest in the paranormal and an increased number of paranormal incidences, as well.

If either is true, that there are 1) more people having these experiences and 2) we are more accepting of the possibilities of what could be - then it is fairly safe to say that we, as a people, are moving towards a state of increased awareness. Some people refer to it as being part of a higher consciousness, or many people having a collective consciousness. This does not in any way imply that we should believe the same. We are all individual people, each having our own set of personal and religious beliefs. Many will argue that their own beliefs are correct, but all over the world - people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds (as well as those who have no religious beliefs) are beginning to share something unique and fantastic in common - paranormal and unexplained experiences.

Dos and Do Nots of Ghost Hunting

There are many dos and don't dos associated with ghost hunting. To name a few:

• DON'T FREAK OUT - if something is seen, and definitely not in front of clients!
• Respect the dead and the supernatural - do not step on their graves or gravestones, talk nicely.
• Don't whisper or behave in a secretive or suspicious manner.
• Don't go on a ghost hunt alone.
• Don't tresspass.
• Don't litter, and pick up after yourselves.
• Be willing to train and attend team meetings.
• Don't hunt in bad weather.
• DO have an open mind.
• DO have fun.

Cemeteries, museums, residential homes, churches, hospitals, parks - it doesn't matter. Ghost hunting is fun, if you follow the rules. They're there for a reason.